GAMSAT Remote Proctored Testing: What You Need to Know

Please note:

• ‘Section I: Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences’ has been renamed to ‘Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences Section’
• ‘Section II: Written Communication’ has been renamed to ‘Written Communication Section’
• ‘Section III: Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences’ has been renamed to ‘Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences Section’

To ensure this article is easy to follow, we’ll refer to these sections as ‘Section 1’, ‘Section 2’, and ‘Section 3’ throughout.

If you’re sitting the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) in 2024, there are a number of test changes to be aware of, including the addition of remote proctored testing.

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about remote proctoring, such as how remote proctoring works, when you’ll be required to sit an online proctored test, and how best to prepare for remote proctored testing.

If you’re just starting your GAMSAT preparation journey, make sure you check out our range of GAMSAT blogs, such as top GAMSAT preparation tips and comprehensive guides for succeeding in GAMSAT Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3.

Table of contents

What is remote proctoring?

GAMSAT 2024 remote proctored testing

How do I book my remote proctoring test session?

What are the technical requirements for remote proctoring?

‍Tips for remote proctored exam success

What is remote proctoring?

Remote proctoring, or remote/online proctored testing, is a form of online test delivery which is designed to be similar to a secure, in-person exam. Test takers complete an exam in an online/remote setting under the supervision of a remote proctor through screen sharing and webcam monitoring. If you haven’t sat a remote proctored test before, this may sound daunting, so we recommend familiarising yourself with the remote proctored test-taking process as much as possible ahead of test day. 

GAMSAT 2024 remote proctored testing

Remote proctored testing is now required for all GAMSAT 2024 test takers. However, how much of the exam you sit remotely will vary depending on where you’re situated.

Remote proctoring is divided into two categories:

1) Section 2 (all test takers) – 2024 GAMSAT testing is split into two separate test components with a mix of in-person and remote testing. The remote proctored component is Section 2, and the test centre component is Sections 1 and 3. The test centre sitting (Sections 1 and 3) takes place approximately three weeks after the remote sitting (Section 2).

2) Sections 1, 2, and 3 (test takers who are located more than 3 hours’ from a test centre) – If you live more than three hours’ drive from a test centre, or if you live in a country without a GAMSAT test centre, remote proctored testing is available for Sections 1 and 3. This means you will sit the entire GAMSAT exam via remote proctoring.

How do I book my remote proctoring test session?

All test takers will receive an invitation link to book the Written Communication (Section 2) remote proctored session. The invite will be sent to your registered email address after late registrations close. Please note that you can’t book your remote proctored exam until you receive your invitation.

If you require a remote sitting for the entire exam, you should contact the GAMSAT Office with details about your circumstances and proximity to the nearest GAMSAT test centre. You will need to provide evidence of your residential address during the test window, such as a utility bill or driving licence. Please note that all requests must be submitted no later than the closing time of standard registrations. If your request is approved, you’ll be emailed an invitation link to schedule Sections 1 and 3 via remote proctoring.

If you need to change your exam slot, you can reschedule it for another available time/day, but you'll need to pay a small rebooking fee.

What are the technical requirements for remote proctoring?

You must meet the minimum technical requirements before booking your remote proctored test session.

You will need access to:

• A desktop computer or laptop (iPads, tablets or mobiles are not permitted, and Windows 8 is not supported)
• A stable internet connection
• A functioning microphone and webcam (note that some webcams have in-built microphones)
• Guardian Browser downloaded to your device

To ensure you have a smooth remote proctoring experience, review the technical requirements for your internet connection, operating system, CPU, camera, upload/download speeds, RAM, ports, and screen resolution:

Tips for remote proctored exam success

Not sure how to prepare for remote proctoring? Read the below information carefully to avoid any surprises on test day.

Preparing for your remote proctored exam

1. Optimise your room for testing – this includes adjusting the desk height, temperature, lighting, and ventilation, and ensuring you have all the equipment that you need, such as a comfortable chair. Place your computer on a hard surface such as a desk or table, clear your workplace of any food and drink, electronic devices (excluding your mobile), and secondary monitors, and sit facing away from the entrance of the room (if possible). Don’t forget to remove any unpermitted items. Once you’re happy with your set-up, make sure you practise questions and full mocks in this environment to simulate the real exam.

2. Remind the members of your household that you have an important test coming up and cannot be disturbed until the test is complete. Politely ask them to minimise the use of the internet and to keep the noise level down. Placing a note on your door would also be helpful to prevent someone from accidentally knocking on your door or entering your room. 

3. If you perform any upgrades, software installation, or system changes on your device, re-run the systems test to make sure everything is functioning as it should. Before sitting your remote proctored exam, you should install the Guardian Browser, close all non-essential programs, and restart your computer.

4. Make sure you have the following items ready in advance:

• Approved photo ID (check the GAMSAT Information Booklet for acceptable identification documents)
• Erasable whiteboard/laminated A4 paper and marker, or two sheets of A4 paper, pens/pencils, pencil sharpener and eraser
• A clear unlabelled water bottle
• Disposable earplugs (optional)
• Mirror/reflective device (to show your workspace to your proctor during the room checks)

5. Treat the exam as seriously as possible – even though you’re not completing this section at a test centre, you should still adopt the same mindset. This means getting a good sleep the night before, being ready early on test day, and eating a nutritious breakfast.

6. Use the toilet before you start your remote proctored session – you can go to the bathroom during the test but the timer won’t stop, which means you’ll lose vital time.

During your remote proctored exam

On the day of the test, keep the exam rules in mind:

• Don’t read your exam questions out loud
• Remain in your seat unless you're instructed to/given permission to leave (such as using the bathroom)
• Don't allow anyone to enter the exam area

If you need help or support at any point during your exam, click the chat button, or call the support number provided, and a support technician will help to resolve the issue.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t attempt to cheat or bypass the proctoring system in any way, as there will be severe consequences for this. You also shouldn’t engage in any behaviours that could be perceived as suspicious or strange.

When your exam begins, try to remain calm and remind yourself that you’re already very familiar with the testing environment, including the room, desk, chair, lighting, and temperature. You will even be using the same computer, mouse, and keyboard that you’ve used to go through practice questions and full mock exams. In addition, although you will interact with an online proctor, you won't see them at any point (they don't turn on their webcam). All of this should put you at ease and help you to perform at the optimum level.

Other benefits of remote proctoring to keep in mind include:

• Convenience – you don’t have to travel to a test centre or worry about arranging transport, or getting stuck in traffic!
• Fewer distractions – you won’t be distracted by other candidates. Occasional coughs, leg shaking, and other habits can be a cause of distraction for you at the test centre.
• Reduced test anxiety – although some people may experience increased anxiety in the build-up to a remote proctored exam (e.g. unfamiliarity with the format, concerns with technology failing), positive interactions with an online proctor can actually increase confidence levels and reduce anxiety.

Succeed in the GAMSAT with Medify

Do you need help preparing for the GAMSAT? Our GAMSAT Online Course provides:

• A robust Question Bank with 5,000+ original GAMSAT-style questions
• 7 realistic and unique GAMSAT mock exams which simulate the real test
• 50+ in-depth tutorials with guidance from GAMSAT experts
• Medify’s science syllabus with key topics for biology, chemistry, and physics

If you’re not ready to commit to a GAMSAT preparation course, make sure you check out our sample questions (Section I, Section II, Section III) and free cheat sheets to get a flavour of what to expect.